Navigating the California Healthcare System

Inspiration

Throughout the state of California, millions of people go without health insurance. This can be because of a multitude of reasons, ranging from inability to pay the price and language barriers. Yet, one major problem that affects many people, especially teens and recent immigrants, is navigating the healthcare system with all of its terms, conditions, and eligibility. While I am privileged to live in a family which is able to afford health insurance and find a plan which fits our needs, many people are not able to have the same level of access, hence what inspired me to submit this pitch.

What it does

This program has not been developed, but I do hope to make it an interactive system which can be accessed in many different languages, and guides people through the healthcare system. To start, I hope that this program can allow people to get health insurance during the enrollment period, and explain the conditions and times that people can get insured. Then, I hope that this program can lead people through the steps that allow them to be eligible for price reduction programs such as Covered California and ACA discounts. Finally, the program will tell the user about all the benefits they are able to get, as well as the terms and conditions that are necessary.

How we built it

To build this, it will probably require python or some other coding platform to make an interactive program which is able to give output to an input from the user. In this program, information from websites such as Covered California and other health insurance vendors will be compiled, in a way which is easy to understand and work through. After working through the various health insurance vendors, it will be easy to make a pathway which the user can choose to go through and get insurance which fits their needs.

Challenges we ran into

As a beginner, I am unable to code much with any coding platform. Due to this, I am only able to pitch this idea and not create it. One major challenge I anticipate when I am able to code this program into reality would be getting the information needed to make it useful. For example, many companies use sneaky tactics to impose secret fees, which I would have to take note of. Also, there are many terms and conditions, as well as plans which are only for certain people, so making a comprehensive application would be difficult.

Accomplishments that we're proud of

Hopefully this program will lead to more clarity in the health insurance market, and allow for more disadvantaged communities to be able to get healthcare. I hope to be able to reach many communities which may have a hard time finding a plan which best suits them, and assist them in getting them the care that they need. On a personal level, I am proud to have researched for this topic and opening my eyes to coding and hackathons for the first time.

What's next for Navigating the California Healthcare System

As a rising 10th grader, in a few weeks I will begin AP Computer Science Principles. I hope that with my new coding knowledge and passion for research, I will turn this project into more than just a pitch and something that can help actual people. If it is possible, I would also love to make it into an app which will make it more available to people throughout California.

Built With

• adobe
• google